The Hidden Cost of Poor Airflow in High-Performance Commercial Buildings

Poor airflow in commercial buildings leads to higher energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and HVAC wear. Learn how to identify and solv

Ava Montini

Mar 24, 2025

Written by

Published on

Why airflow inefficiencies drive up costs, compromise indoor air quality, and create hidden challenges for facility managers

Most commercial and institutional buildings today are designed with performance and efficiency in mind. Energy benchmarks, ESG goals, and occupant well-being are often front and center. But despite those efforts, one critical element of building performance is consistently underdiagnosed: airflow.

Poor airflow can silently affect every corner of your building’s operations — from higher energy consumption and HVAC maintenance costs to reduced indoor air quality (IAQ) and missed sustainability opportunities. It rarely shows up as a red flag on day one, but over time, it chips away at performance in ways that are both measurable and avoidable.

Inefficient Airflow Increases Energy Use — Even in “Efficient” Buildings

In many commercial buildings, HVAC systems account for roughly 30–40% of total energy consumption, according to Natural Resources Canada and ASHRAE. But when airflow is restricted, that percentage can climb significantly.

The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans. These conditions increase static pressure, which forces HVAC fans to work harder and longer to achieve required airflow levels.

According to a study by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), buildings with airflow-related HVAC issues can see energy use increase by up to 30% compared to optimized systems. [1]

Even minor issues can have an outsized impact. A 100,000 sq. ft. office building experiencing elevated fan energy use due to clogged filters or inefficient duct design could face annual utility costs tens of thousands of dollars higher than necessary. For building owners managing multiple sites, that inefficiency compounds quickly.

Airflow and Indoor Air Quality Are Closely Linked

Buildings are dynamic systems, and air quality tends to suffer when airflow is compromised. Insufficient airflow can lead to poor ventilation, uneven air distribution, and pockets of stagnation in rooms or zones. These areas often experience elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter — especially in high-occupancy spaces.

A 2015 study from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that employees working in well-ventilated buildings performed 61% better on cognitive tasks than those in typical buildings with poor ventilation and air quality. [2]

In schools, researchers have found that students in classrooms with improved ventilation perform better on standardized tests. [3] In healthcare facilities, inadequate air movement can increase the risk of airborne illness transmission.

Common complaints like “stuffy rooms,” temperature inconsistencies, or fatigue can often be traced back to airflow and ventilation issues — even when temperature setpoints and filtration standards are technically being met.

Poor Airflow Wears Down HVAC Systems Faster

Inefficient airflow costs more on your energy bill and accelerates mechanical wear and tear. When fan motors, compressors, and dampers are forced to operate under continuous load, components degrade faster than expected.

This leads to:

More frequent repairs and service calls
Shortened equipment lifespan
Greater downtime and occupant discomfort during peak seasons

A study from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) notes that air distribution restrictions are a key factor in premature HVAC failure and reduced system capacity. [4]

The cost of replacing a rooftop unit, for example, can range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on building size and complexity — not including indirect costs from temporary system downtime.

Sustainability Targets Can Be Quietly Undermined

Many facilities today are pursuing ESG goals, LEED certification, or local emissions reduction mandates. But airflow inefficiencies can quietly work against those targets by increasing Scope 2 emissions (energy-related emissions) and filter waste.

High-resistance air filters, mainly traditional pleated filters, can contribute to this in two ways:

Increased energy use due to pressure drop
Frequent changeouts, leading to more waste and landfill contribution

According to a 2021 study in Building and Environment, filter pressure drop is one of the most overlooked contributors to unnecessary HVAC energy use — especially when filters are overused or under-maintained. [5]

If a building claims progress in sustainability, it’s important to ensure that filtration and airflow practices align with those claims—both from an energy and waste standpoint.

Missed Opportunities for Incentives and Cost Recovery

One of the lesser-known downsides of inefficient airflow is the lost opportunity to qualify for energy retrofit incentives.

Many utility and government programs across North America offer rebates, grants, or low-interest financing for businesses upgrading HVAC systems, controls, and low-pressure filtration. But to be eligible, buildings often need to demonstrate quantifiable improvements in system performance.

For example, Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program offers up to 50% of project costs for energy-efficiency upgrades, including those related to ventilation, air handling units, and demand control ventilation systems. [6]

Without data on airflow improvement or energy reduction — or without addressing underlying airflow inefficiencies — buildings may fail to qualify, leaving funding on the table.

Practical Steps to Address Airflow Challenges

The good news is that improving airflow doesn’t require a major capital project. Many impactful changes can be made within existing operations and maintenance cycles.

Here’s where most facilities can start:

Conduct a static pressure and airflow assessment to identify bottlenecks
Replace high-pressure filters with low-pressure, high-efficiency alternatives
Balance and tune your HVAC system, especially if zones have changed due to new usage patterns
Install real-time IAQ monitors to detect issues as they emerge, not after complaints arise
Track filter changeouts and energy use to capture data for future incentive applications

These strategies are already being implemented in facilities across North America — and in most cases, they deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and occupant satisfaction.

Airflow may not be the most visible part of your building, but it’s one of the most influential. When ignored, it quietly drives up energy costs, reduces system lifespan, and compromises air quality.

For facility managers and business owners focused on performance, sustainability, and operational clarity, airflow should be on the radar — not just as a maintenance metric but as a lever for long-term efficiency and resilience.

Addressing airflow challenges is a straightforward, high-ROI step that supports healthier, more cost-effective, and future-ready buildings.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools: Student Health and Performance

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 28, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

rear room view of an elementary classroom with various student's hands raised and the female teacher blurred at the front of the classroom — Students exposed to poor Indoor Air Quality may experience difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and a decline in productivity and overall well-being.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of educational environments. The quality of air inside schools has a direct impact on student health and academic performance. In this blog, we will explore the significance of IAQ in schools and how it influences students’ well-being and learning outcomes.

To comprehend the importance of IAQ, it’s crucial to understand its components. IAQ refers to the condition of the air within buildings, including its purity, temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Schools

Sources of indoor air pollution in schools can vary, but here are some common ones:

Building Materials: Some building materials used in schools, such as certain types of paint, adhesives, and flooring materials, can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution
Cleaning Products: Cleaning chemicals, including disinfectants, floor cleaners, and aerosol sprays, often contain harmful chemicals that can release fumes and particles into the air, affecting indoor air quality.
HVAC Systems: Poorly maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can accumulate dust, mould, and other contaminants, which are then circulated throughout the building, compromising air quality.
Mould and Moisture: Moisture problems, such as leaks or high humidity levels, can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. These can release spores and mycotoxins into the air, posing health risks.
Pests and Pest Control: The presence of pests like rodents and insects in schools can introduce allergens and contaminants. The use of pesticides and insecticides for pest control can also contribute to indoor air pollution.
Outdoor Air Pollution: Pollutants from outdoor sources, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities, can infiltrate schools through poorly sealed windows, doors, or ventilation systems, compromising indoor air quality.
Combustion Sources: Schools with combustion appliances, such as furnaces, boilers, or stoves, can emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter, which can be harmful when not adequately vented.
Personal Care Products: Students and staff using personal care products, such as perfumes, colognes, and hair sprays, can contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing VOCs.
Classroom Supplies: Various classroom supplies, including art materials, science lab chemicals, and glues, may contain hazardous substances that can release fumes or particles when used.
Outdoor Contaminants: Pollen, allergens, and pollutants brought in from outdoors on clothing, shoes, or through open doors and windows can contribute to indoor air pollution.

It’s essential for schools to identify and mitigate these sources of indoor air pollution through adequate ventilation, regular maintenance, proper cleaning protocols, and the use of low-emission materials and products.

Impact of Poor IAQ on Students

Graphic illustration showcasing the various IAQ elements that affect Children vs Adults — Illnesses caused by poor IAQ have resulted in more sick days, from school, due to respiratory-related health problems.

Poor IAQ can have severe consequences for student health. It contributes to respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, increases the risk of infections and illnesses, and hampers cognitive function. Students exposed to poor IAQ may experience difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and a decline in overall well-being.

Student Health

According to the EPA, the term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) describes situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.

Sick building syndrome has been reported by students in schools with poor IAQ. It is a condition that impacts employees or students that spend a lot of time indoors and is caused by unhealthy or stressful factors, i.e. poor ventilation. Illnesses caused by poor IAQ have resulted in more sick days, from school, due to respiratory-related health problems.

Cognitive Development and Academic Performance

Lack of adequate ventilation has been associated with poor cognitive development, especially in primary school age groups. An experiment was conducted through a Texas school district to improve the air quality condition in schools, which determined that IAQ improvements resulted in improved standardized test performance.

In another experiment, the average ventilation improvement project improved math and reading scores by 0.07 standard deviations (SDS) and 0.11 SDS, increasing the probability of passing these tests by 2–3%.

Increased Risks of Asthma and Respiratory Issues

Respiratory problems such as asthma are also aggravated due to air pollution in schools. A study has shown the possibility of reducing asthma incidents from 16% to 13% among children by simply applying filters for PM 2.5 in the classrooms.

Other respiratory health effects include:

Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Airway inflammation & irritation
Irregular heartbeat
Lung damage

Simple Solutions to Help Manage Indoor Air Quality in School Classrooms

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation uses ducts and fans to draw in and distribute fresh air, and can even exhaust air from specific areas. In schools, mechanical ventilation uses HVAC systems or unit ventilators. To further enhance ventilation levels, air purification systems can be installed within existing ventilation systems or unit ventilators to achieve better air quality and reduce indoor air pollution levels.

Natural Ventilation

Simply opening a window or door encourages better airflow within an enclosed room. A study completed in 2017 proves a significant improvement in IAQ, specifically CO2 levels in a room with a group of 4-6 persons, by simply opening a window.

Illustration of how cross ventilation works, pulling air in from an open window and ventilating the rooms air through another open window — Cross ventilation allows a breeze to enter, flow through and exit within an enclosed area.

Additionally, cross ventilation is a highly effective method of promoting good airflow; Allowing a breeze to enter, flow through and exit within an enclosed area. This ventilation method encourages continuous airflow by pulling air from openings on one side of a building and through to the other.

Regular Cleaning & Dusting

Preventing any buildup of animal dander, dust mite matter, and pollen can improve indoor air quality. The American Lung Association recommends incorporating dusting into your regular cleaning routine, which can reduce the amount of dust and improve overall indoor air quality in your home.

Natural Cleaning Products

Substitute bi-products with natural-based products for cleaning agents to reduce indoor VOCs. A study conducted in Brisbane, Australia, in over 25 primary schools – to identify the VOCs’ sources – deduced that chemical-based cleaning products alone caused 41% of indoor VOCs. The synthetic fragrances found in cleaning and maintenance products contribute to air contamination.

Building Design

The design of school and childcare facilities can contribute to minimizing children’s exposure to air pollution while onsite. This may entail locating the most frequented rooms or areas as far away from road traffic as possible, shielding the playground behind buildings, walls or green infrastructure (i.e. using plants), and allowing natural ventilation patterns that promote pollutant dispersion. Green infrastructure can filter some air pollutants and alter the airflow — thus changing pollution concentrations in local microenvironments.

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